February 2026
St. Luke United Methodist Church
Message from the Pastor
We ended last year insisting on hope, lighting candles, and singing that good news is louder than our fear. Then January came and with it an onslaught of more fear, violence, and cruelty against our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have seen and witnessed so much harm toward others that it can overwhelm our spirits. If you are feeling sad, angry, and brokenhearted, it simply means you are still holding on to your humanity and the humanity of others. In all of this, you may be wondering "where is the good news?" Where is the good news of Christ in the midst of oppression and harm? The temptation to feel helpless and despair can be so strong.
Lent is no stranger to temptation and despair. Often when we think of Lent, we think of spiritual fasting as we consider Jesus's own temptation in the wilderness as well as his journey towards the cross. And yet, even on this journey we find good news and great hope. Maybe last year included a journey in the wilderness for you as well. Perhaps there were moments that tried you, taxed you, and tempted you to give up completely. But as we know, despair never gets the last word. The goodness of God does. This Sunday we will gather for worship after two Sundays apart and share in a special Blessing of the Mural alongside our mural artist, Lawson King. Last Saturday when everything was still thick with ice, my sweet husband sent me this photo of the sun shining on the mural. Everything else was still thick and covered over, but the sun shone on that giant wall of color, lighting up the winter with the words Different Flowers, One Garden. Even in the wilderness and winter seasons of our lives, the good news is still there if we know where to look and how to listen. O Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to know your goodness.
This Lenten season, we will begin a series together called Tell Me Something Good on Ash Wednesday, February 18th (followed by pancakes of course). Is your spirit longing to hold onto something good right now? To hear stories of Jesus that remind you that the gospel is indeed good news for all people and the kingdom of God is designed to set the captives free and release the chains of injustice? I know mine does. As a dear friend and mentor reminded me recently as they embraced the quiet of the ice storm, Psalm 27:13-14 says "I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord." Remembering the goodness and good news of God keeps us grounded in hope and gives courage to our hearts, strengthening us for the long meanwhile.
As we move through snapshots of the miracles and teachings of Jesus during Lent, we will consider how the good news invites all to the banquet, catches us by surprise, leads us into love of God and neighbor, reminds us of what is possible, protects the vulnerable, is rooted in justice and mercy, inspires us to act, is revealed in service and nonviolence, and is alive in the world.
Alongside worship, I will begin a Lectio Divina group where we will engage each week's text with contemplative practices of holy listening, discussion, and the practice of visio divina with art centered around the text. This group will meet in the fellowship hall on Sundays at 5 and Mondays at 12 beginning Sunday, February 15th. I invite you into this deeper exploration and reflection. Let us remember that when all is said and done, we still have good news to tell.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Hannah
Lectionary Readings for February
Sunday, February 1 — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12Sunday, February 8 — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 58:1-9a
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Matthew 5:13-20Sunday, February 15 — Transfiguration Sunday
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9Sunday, February 22 — First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Roman 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ
OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG
UW in Faith Grace Circle will meet on February 17 at 10:00 a.m. in the church library for a Call to Prayer and Self-Denial service. All women are invited!
OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE
The Young Adult Sunday School class will be discussing a two-part series on Noah and the Flood on January 4 and 11. Was there actually a world-wide flood in ancient times? Why do we think so, and why might we question it? What does scripture say about it? What does science say? And what is the point of the story, anyway? You are welcome to come even if you don’t usually attend a SS class.
Beginning January 18, the Young Adults will pick up their interrupted study of Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. We will have a review of the earliest chapters, previously covered, in case you missed those and need to catch up. This study will last approximately 5-6 weeks and all are welcome.
Looking ahead at Lenten activities and observances that will begin in February. St. Luke will observe Ash Wednesday with a service on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. A nursery will be provided.
We will have a Pancake Supper immediately following our Ash Wednesday service. Mark your calendars and join us for some yummy pancakes! Donations are not required but are welcome to help defray the cost of the supper.
The Lenten Luncheons are scheduled at noon on Wednesdays beginning February 25-March 25 at First UMC. Enjoy a meal with other churches and a short worship service. There is no cost for the meal, but a love offering for charity will be taken up each week if you’re able to give.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES
Rescheduled to March 22 — Your whole family can share in a service opportunity on Sunday, March 22, at 3:00 p.m. at 1st UMC. We are joining with our sister church to for a Rise Against Hunger packing event. Together we will pack 20,000 meals in just two hours. Everyone is invited to come and participate, members of St. Luke, of 1st UMC, of another church, or of no church. All that is required is a wish to help people across the world receive a nutritious meal—eliminating hunger one meal at a time. If you are a student, this time definitely qualifies as volunteer hours.
Worship Greeters are needed for the months of April and June through December! A Greeter is a very important part of welcoming people to our worship service and helps by passing out bulletins, helping people in and out of cars (when needed), directing visitors to pews or various areas of the church, and helps in other capacities of the service. If you feel called to volunteer and would like to sign up, a signup sheet is available in the narthex or you may sign up by contacting the church office. If you need more info on what all being a greeter entails, please see Bob Card, Mike Gressett, Jim Shempert, or Al Williams.
Don’t forget that on the second Sunday of every month we collect bags of apples, jars of peanut butter, and also canned goods for the Helping Hands Ministry. A blue bin designated for Helping Hands is available in the narthex where you can place your food items. The second Sunday is also our Dollar Sunday, when you are invited to drop a dollar or two into the small basket in the narthex to help support our Compassion Fund. This fund is used by the pastor at their discretion to help those in need.
If you would like to help deliver our Second Sunday mission project food items to Helping Hands this year, please contact Lisa in the church office to sign up. Drop off times for Helping Hands are Wednesday or Friday mornings between 9:00 am and noon.
The 2026 Flower Calendar is available on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the choir room. If you would like to help provide an altar arrangement sometime during the year, please look over the calendar, choose a date or two, and sign up. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be fresh flowers, it could be a lovely silk arrangements, or even a nice plant. If you sign up for two consecutive Sundays, we have a “flower fridge” where we can store your floral arrangement during the week and re-use them the second Sunday. If ordering fresh flowers from a flower shop, please specify you would like them to last for two Sundays. Please contact the church office to sign up or for more info.
Blessing of the St. Luke Mural
Grief Support
GriefShare: When a loved one dies, it can feel like you’re alone. Few people understand how painful and isolating your grief can be. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer by yourself.
At GriefShare, you’ll find a safe, comforting place where you can talk with others about your grief. you’ll find support, direction, and guidance on how to make it through.
If you could use help with any of the topics below, GriefShare is for you.
Your Grief Journey; Sadness & Loneliness; Fear & Anxiety; Anger;
Regrets; Grief & Your Relationships; Questions for God; Hope & Resilience
And many more…
At this 13-week grief recovery support group, you’ll:
Hear insights from grief recovery experts; Meet others who understand what
you’re going through; Receive comfort and support; Learn practical tips for
navigating your grief; and Discover the 6 signs of healing.
Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.
To join a group or for more information, please contact First Baptist Church of Cleveland at (662)588-9011. You can learn more about GriefShare by going to their website at griefshare.org. Brochures are also available in the St Luke Narthex.
Memory Caregiver Support
Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be both rewarding and challenging — you don’t have to face it alone!
Our memory care caregivers support group will provide an understanding space where caregivers can share experiences and find emotional support. Learn practical care giving tips and new coping strategies. Connect with others who truly understand your journey.
For more information or to RSVP, please call or text SUNNY SENIORS at (662)719-8718 or (662)721-7260. Meetings will take place every first Monday of every month, from 12:00-12:45, at 107 South Victoria Ave.
More Opportunities to Help
Parks Elementary Partnership
1) PBIS Closet- Parks keeps a closet filled with goodies for students who do well with their positive behavior system. This includes items such as fidget toys, slime, and other small prizes. When the children meet their goals, they are able to shop this closet as a treat and means of positive reinforcement. You may contribute to this cause or purchase items and bring them to the church office.
2) Feminine Hygiene supplies- Parks has an area in the office dedicated to storing feminine hygiene supplies for girls who need them. Specifically, they try to keep a current stock of pads (no tampons please) and girls underwear in all sizes. You may bring these items to the church office as well.
3) Reading with students- Do you like to help students with their reading? If you had 1-2 hours a week to give during school hours, the students at Parks could use your help. Reading with students is a proven way to help raise their AR scores while also providing quality time with these children. If you are interested in this, please let Rev. Hannah know.
Employment Opportunities
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is searching for an employee to fill our Music Director position and would welcome help from the congregation in spreading the word.
As you know, Beverly Jacks has served as interim Director for the past year or so. She does a lovely job and has been happy to serve our church with her gifts, but she would like a break if a suitable person can be found to lead the choir. Previous experience in a church setting is preferred but not required. Salary will be negotiable.
Please share this information with any suitable candidates you know who might be interested in working at St. Luke. Any further questions may be directed to Rev. Hannah or to Lisa in the church office.
The St. Luke Scene
Events in February
February 2, Tuesday
— Worship Team Meeting, 1:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)
February 5, Thursday
— Toddler Playgroup, 9:30 a.m. (Preschool Room)
February 7, Saturday
— Preschool Room Reserved by Kelsey Smith, 10:00 a.m.
— Abstract Hearts: Art w/Allyson, 2:30 p.m. (Art Room)
February 8, Sunday
— Second Sunday Mission for Helping Hands
— Blessing of the Mural, 11:35 a.m. (Outside on South Side of SS Wing)
— Youth Superbowl Party
February 11, Wednesday
— Trustees Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)
February 15, Sunday
— Lectio Divina Group, 5:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) -nursery provided
February 16, Monday
— Lectio Divina Group, 12:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)
February 17, Tuesday
— UWFaith Grace Circle, 10:00 a.m. (Church Library)
February 18, Wednesday
— Ash Wednesday Service, 5:30 p.m.
— Pancake Supper following Service (Fellowship Hall)
February 22, Sunday
— Church Council Meeting, 11:35 a.m. (Church Library)
— Lectio Divina Group, 5:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) -nursery provided
February 23, Monday
— Lectio Divina Group, 12:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)
February 25, Wednesday
— Lenten Lunch, 11:45 a.m. (First UMC)
February 28, Saturday
— Children’s Workshop: Art w/Allyson, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Art Room)
Memorials and Honorariums
By:
By:
Memorials for:
n/a
Honorarium for:
n/a
Attendance and Offering Report
Jan 4
Jan 11
Jan 18
Jan 25
Monthly Total
Monthly Budget
General Fund
$ 15,792
$ 1,975
$ 1,080
$ 565
$ 19,412
$ 20,834
Special
Fund
$ 0
$ 625
$ 0
$ 0
Sunday
School
25
28
22
0
Worship
57
54
40
0
Online
119
115
99
0
Special Offerings:
UM Human Relations
$ 100
February Birthdays
2/02
2/07
2/09
2/14
2/18
2/19
2/20
2/21
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/29
Chris Powell
Allysson James
Brittany Dean
Rick Torgerson
Laura Bassie
Carol Tatum
Bev Card
Roy Jacks
Lisa Horton
Allyson Hardy
Lillie Dean
Witt Runnels
Kevin Vickers
February Anniversaries
2/16
Amber & Shelly Steele